Welcome to TFB’s Photo Of The Day. Today we honor the vz. 58 (model 58) as it’s also called. The caliber is 7.62×39mm and it was designed and manufactured in Czechoslovakia. It’s been around for a while, but is still active. It’s quite a “back to basics” rifle.

The pictures are from eFP Battlegroup in Latvia, which is 1 of 4 defensive multinational NATO coalitions in the Baltic states and Poland.

Photos from the eFP Battlegroup and the Exercise REAPER RAIDER, an air mobility exercise that simulated tactical air operations.

Involving eleven countries — nine NATO Allied Battle Group Nations, Latvia and the US — the exercise sends a very strong message about NATO’s strength, and our combined determination and ability to project and defend Latvian citizens and territory against any form of aggression.

The vz. 58 is NOT a Kalashnikov clone. In fact, it shares no parts at all, not even the magazine. (Source)

Spanish and slovakian troops from #eFP Battle Group Latvia conduct urban combat training at Camp Ādaži.

Slovakian mechanized company conducts training in Camp Ādaži training area

BG Latvia is conducting Ex REAPER RAIDER, an air mobility exercise involving eleven nations. It sends a strong message about NATO’s strength, combined determination and ability to project and defend Latvia from any form of aggression.

The sights are fairly basic, like the rest of the rifle.

Have you ever shot a vz. 58? How did you like it?